Page 410 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

Your single bond, and, in a merry sport,
If you repay me not on such a day,
In such a place, such sum or sums as are [145]
Expressed in the condition, let the forfeit

Be nominated for an equal pound
Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken
In what part of your body pleaseth me.

ANTONIO
Content, in faith, I’ll seal to such a bond [150]

And say there is much kindness in the Jew.

BASSANIO

You shall not seal to such a bond for me;
I’ll rather dwell in my necessity.

ANTONIO
Why fear not, man, I will not forfeit it.
Within these two months − that’s a month before [155]
This bond expires − I do expect return

Of thrice three times the value of this bond.

SHYLOCK
O father Abram, what these Christians are,
Whose own hard dealings teaches them suspect
The thoughts of others! Pray you tell me this, [160]

If he should break his day, what should I gain
By the exaction of the forfeiture?
A pound of man’s flesh taken from a man
Is not so estimable, profitable neither,

As flesh of muttons, beefs, or goats. I say [165]
To buy his favour I extend this friendship.
If he will take it, so; if not, adieu.
And for my love I pray you wrong me not.

ANTONIO

Yes, Shylock, I will seal unto this bond.